Charge air cooler condensation control

Abstract

Embodiments for controlling condensate in a charge air cooler are provided. One example method for an engine comprises cooling intake air through a charge air cooler and adjusting a vibration device of the charge air cooler based on charge air cooler condensation conditions.

Description

FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates to an internal combustion engine.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY[0002]Turbocharged and supercharged engines may be configured to compress ambient air entering the engine in order to increase power. Because compression of the air may cause an increase in air temperature, a charge air cooler may be utilized to cool the heated air thereby increasing its density and further increasing the potential power of the engine. If the humidity of the ambient air is high, however, condensation (e.g., water droplets) may form on internal surfaces of the charge air cooler that are cooler than the dew point of the compressed air. During transient conditions such as hard vehicle acceleration, these water droplets may be blown out of the charge air cooler and into the combustion chambers of the engine resulting in increased potential for engine misfire, loss of torque and engine speed, and incomplete combustion, for example.[0003]One approach for controlling condensate...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device that can reduce the accumulation of condensate in a charge air cooler by vibrating the cooler. The device can detect the amount of condensate and adjust the intensity of the vibrations accordingly. By controlling the intake air flow through the cooler, the device can prevent or reduce accumulation of condensate. This can save energy and improve the efficiency of the device. Overall, the patent describes a technical solution for preventing blockages and improving the performance of the charge air cooler in various operating conditions.

Problems solved by technology

During transient conditions such as hard vehicle acceleration, these water droplets may be blown out of the charge air cooler and into the combustion chambers of the engine resulting in increased potential for engine misfire, loss of torque and engine speed, and incomplete combustion, for example.

However, the amount of condensate in the charge air cooler can vary with operating conditions, and activation of the vibration transducer may not be sufficient to dislodge larger quantities of condensate.

Furthermore, by activating the device responsive to condensate formation, the device may remain deactivated during conditions of no (or lower) condensate accumulation, reducing the energy needed to operate the device.

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